Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118010

Dominique Meekers, PhD, International Health and Development, Tulane University, 1440 Canal St. Suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-585-6157, dmeekers@tulane.edu and Noha El-Ghazaly, El-Zanaty and Associates, 12 Gamal Salam St, Dokki, Giza, Cairo, Egypt.

Objectives: This study describes smoking behavior and smoking-related attitudes among men in Menya Governate,to help inform the design of smoking-cessation communication activities for the Communication for Healthy Living Program.

Data and Methods: We use data from the 2004 Menya Village Health Survey, which comprises a sample of 3,285 men aged 15 and older to describe smoking behavior, perceptions about the effect of second hand smoke, and attitudes toward the creation of smoke-free zones.

Results: Overall, 41% of males report smoking. While only 23% of teenage males admit smoking, 54% of older males do (p=.000). 95% of males agreed smoking is unhealthy, and 90% agree that smoking is bad for others. 32% of young males and 40% of adult males have seen media messages about the health effects of second-hand smoke (p=.000).

19% of youth and 27% of adults have discussed the health effects of second hand smoke. 88% of young males and 83% of adult males believe creating a non-smoking areas would be effective. Only 6% of young males and 11% of older males report having a non-smoking area in their home (p<.000).

Conclusions: Smoking remains common, despite wide recognition of the health implications of both smoking and second-hand smoke. Although few males have a non-smoking area in their home, most males agree that creating a non-smoking area would be effective. Hence, there is a need for communication programs to encourage men to act and create non-smoking areas to improve family health.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

(
• Discuss the smoking practices, perceptions about the effects of second-hand smoke, and attitudes toward smoking cessation among men in Menya governate, and (
• Recognize the importance of communication programs that aim to alter perceptions about the risk of second hand smoke and to improve attitudes toward smoke free zone

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.